Federal Office of Family Affairs and Civil Society Functions (BAFzA)

Who can apply · Anyone who has finished compulsory schooling (BFD: any age; FSJ/FÖJ: under 27) and wants to spend 6 to 18 months volunteering in a German social, ecological or cultural organisation. Tunisians can take part once they have a signed placement agreement and a volunteer visa from the German Embassy in Tunis.

Pocket money up to 676 EUR a month, plus social insurance · Pocket money is agreed with the placement, up to a legal cap of 676 euros a month (January 2026). The placement pays all social insurance contributions and may also provide accommodation, meals, work clothing and a mobility allowance, or cash instead.

Deadline · Rolling — you can apply to a placement at any time, but some placements and providers set their own deadlines. FSJ and FÖJ usually start in August or September; the official site advises applying about six months ahead.